Chappellet 2007 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

This is a monster Cabernet, in the best sense. Comprised of all five Bordeaux varieties, it’s bone dry, enormously complex and firmly masculine, with very big, hard tannins. Concentration on the flavors shows layers of blackberries, black currants, blueberries, mocha, violets, sweet charred oak and a firm grounding…  — S.H.   Published 10/1/2010

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Chappellet 2002 Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Stands out not just because of its size, but also for its balance. It’s a big wine, bursting with flamboyant black currant, cassis, mocha and smoky oak flavors with rich, thick and sweetly ripe tannins. The finish lasts for a very long time. So good now, you might miss its youthful character if you cellar it too long.  — S.H.   Published 12/15/2005

Chappellet 2003 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

This is a stunning Cabernet, but it’s too young to drink now. The tannins are simply too big. You could decant it, even overnight, but better to let it age naturally for four or five years. Tremendous in black currant and chocolate flavors, it’s fully dry, and offset with crisp acidity. Has all the class and…  — S.H.   Published 10/1/2006

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Chappellet 2006 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Feels instantly special in the mouth, with beautiful tannins that are soft and ripe but complex at the same time. They frame deep, flavors of blackberries, currants, tobacco, dark chocolate, violets, anise and cedar, firmed with minerals. Best 2010–2014.  — S.H.   Published 9/1/2009

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Chappellet 2001 Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Your first impression is how concentrated in blackcurrant and cassis fruit this wine is. It’s immense as well in flashy new oak. Then there are the tannins. Gentle and sweet, yet complex as a tapestry, they offer structure to the decadent flavors. This is a real achievement, and as soft as it is, the wine seems…  — S.H.   Published 12/31/2004

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Chappellet 2007 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

This is the winery’s basic Cabernet, but there’s nothing common about it. It’s dry and complex and moderately ageworthy, a hillside Cabernet that revels in its plush, firm tannins and ripe fruit. There’s a minerality that seems to come from the soil, with expressive blackberry, currant, chocolate and anise flavors…  — S.H.   Published 10/1/2010

Chappellet 2009 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Dark and saturated in color, this has earthy and meaty aromas like bloody, rare steak and charred bone—that sort of proteinous spirit. The actual fruit flavor is incredibly rich and concentrated in blackberries, black currants and crisp bacon. The impression is of a sweet, delicious Cabernet that’s a touch warm in…  — S.H.   Published 10/1/2012

Chappellet 2003 Merlot (Napa Valley)

What a great job Chappellet does. It’s a brand that’s sometimes overlooked in favor of the new kids, but really deserves recognition. This is a stunningly rich, balanced Merlot, long in cherry, cocoa and oak flavors, yet complexed with fine tannins and rich acidity. It validates the old adage that, in California…  — S.H.   Published 10/1/2006